Kristina Cipolla Photography: Melissa & Matt MARRIED - The Franklin Room in Historic Soulard St. Louis

Happy Monday! I'm SO incredibly excited to share Melissa and Matt's wedding with you all! I've known Melissa since I was in 3rd grade. Melissa and I met in Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church and she was basically my only "church" friend. Fast forward a few years and we ended up attending the same High School, and fast forward a few years later.... Melissa was sitting in my dining room for a wedding consult. It truly is amazing how how things come full circle and I was absolutely honored and thrilled when Melissa asked me to photograph her special day. Oh and you can also check out their St. Louis engagement session in Lafayette Square and the St. Louis Botanical Gardens here!

Now fast forward to Melissa and Matt's wedding day, I found myself in the sanctuary at Zion Lutheran Church all by myself. No guests had arrived yet and everyone was still getting ready, so I walked up to the altar to photograph the unity candle and floral arrangements and then the craziest thing happened... I found myself in tears. I know....random. But they were happy tears and I was overcome with a sense of peace. Here I was at the place I was baptized, confirmed, exchanged vows with my own husband, and now I was photographing Melissa's wedding. At that moment everything hit me all at once and I was incredibly happy and incredibly thankful. Don't worry, I was quickly able to stop crying and get my game face back on....lol. But I'm so thankful for that moment and will never forget it :)

NOW! Are you ready for this wedding??? Melissa and Matt are so adorable and the details are OFF THE CHAIN! Yes, I said off the chain.... From Melissa's stunning bridal gown, to the gorgeous palettes of purples that popped in the gorgeous bouquets and floral arrangements, the chic black damask decor, to Melissa's bling..... ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! Get ready for LOTS of photos from Melissa and Matt's gorgeous St. Louis MO wedding. Enjoy!

Kristina Cipolla Photography, St. Louis Wedding Photographer, Belleville IL Wedding Photographer

How gorgeous is that bouquet?!?!?!? Melissa's friend Jill Batchelder did an AMAZING job and should open a floral shop right now! Beautiful job Jill!

Even though they are currently under construction, The St. Louis Arch grounds made for a perfect backdrop for their wedding party portraits. I especially love the St. Louis Arch because it reminds me of home and my Grandpa helped build it.

Kristina Cipolla Photography, St. Louis Wedding Photographer

Again, gorgeous bouquets! You go Jill! ;)

Melissa and Matt held their wedding reception at the charming Franklin Room. The Franklin Room is a unique Worlds Fair Vintage Ballroom located in historic Soulard in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis has so much history and you definitely feel that "old world charm" at the Franklin Room. Gorgeous St. Louis wedding reception venue if I do say so myself!